On May 26, 2025, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that juveniles charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) must be tried in a Children’s Court, not a Special NIA Court, even if deemed fit to be tried as adults. Justice Sanjay Dwivedi emphasized that the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act) overrides the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act in such cases.

This decision stemmed from a 2017 incident where a 17-year-old was implicated in a train explosion in Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh, and charged under multiple laws, including the UAPA and Explosive Substances Act. The Juvenile Justice Board assessed the accused as mentally and physically capable of standing trial as an adult and transferred the case to a Children’s Court under Section 18(3) of the JJ Act. The NIA contended that, due to national security concerns, the trial should proceed in a Special NIA Court. However, the High Court concluded that the JJ Act’s provisions take precedence, mandating that such cases be tried in Children’s Courts.

This ruling aligns with the JJ Act’s objective to prioritize the welfare of juveniles, ensuring that even in serious cases, the legal process considers the age and rehabilitation potential of young offenders.

Sources